Device for reducing the aerodynamic resistance of a commercial vehicle

Abstract

A device for reducing the aerodynamic resistance of a moving commercial vehicle includes an inflatable air bladder element which carries at least one rigid spoiler element. The inflatable air bladder element is in a deflated condition when the vehicle is at rest, and is brought into an inflated condition by dynamic pressure of air flow in response to forward vehicle movement. The spoiler element is deployed in response to the inflatable air bladder element assuming its inflated condition so that it moves from a position substantially parallel to the rear end of the vehicle, to a deployed position in which it extends angularly with respect to the vehicle. In such a manner, the spoiler element improves the dimensional stability of the device.

I claim: 
     
       1. Device for reducing the aerodynamic resistance of a moving commercial vehicle comprising: an inflatable air bladder element positioned at a rear end of the vehicle, said air bladder element being in a deflated condition when the vehicle is at rest, and being in an inflated condition by dynamic pressure of air flow in response to forward vehicle movement; and   at least one rigid spoiler element carried by said air bladder element, said at least one spoiler element being deployed in response to said inflatable air bladder element assuming said inflated condition from (i) a rest position, wherein said at least one spoiler element extends substantially parallel to the rear end of the vehicle, into (ii) an operative position, wherein said at least one spoiler element extends at an angle outwardly from the rear end of the vehicle, whereby aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle during forward vehicle movement is reduced.   
     
     
       2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said air bladder element is a double-walled closed tarpaulin, and wherein said device further includes an air intake. 
     
     
       3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said double-walled closed tarpaulin includes a single-layer center part. 
     
     
       4. Device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one spoiler element is integral with said air bladder and is formed of a dimensionally stable material. 
     
     
       5. Device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one spoiler element is attached to an exterior surface of said air bladder. 
     
     
       6. Device according to claim 1, which further comprises an air intake for introducing air into said air bladder, and wherein said air intake is positioned on the commercial vehicle. 
     
     
       7. Device according to claim 1, which further comprises at least one restraining cable attached to said at least one spoiler element to adjust angular positioning of said at least one spoiler element relative to the commercial vehicle. 
     
     
       8. Device as in claim 7, which includes tie-down hooks to which said at least one restraining cable is tied to allow for length adjustment thereof. 
     
     
       9. Device according to claim 1, which further includes at least one resilient cable connected to said air bladder element for assisting in retracting said air bladder element into said deflated condition thereof. 
     
     
       10. Device as in claim 9, wherein said at least one resilient cable is formed of a rubber material. 
     
     
       11. Device according to claim 1, wherein said air bladder element includes drainage openings. 
     
     
       12. Device according to claim 1, wherein said air bladder element is attached to doors of the commercial vehicle. 
     
     
       13. Device according to claim 1, wherein the commercial vehicle includes a truck tractor trailer, and wherein said air bladder element is attached to a rear part of the truck tractor so as to be positioned in a gap between the truck tractor and trailer. 
     
     
       14. Device according to claim 1, wherein said air bladder is three-sided and positioned along side and top edges at the rear end of the commercial vehicle. 
     
     
       15. Device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one rigid spoiler element has a plate-shaped configuration. 
     
     
       16. Device as in claim 1, wherein said air bladder element carries a plurality of said rigid spoiler elements. 
     
     
       17. Device as in claim 1 or 4, wherein said at least one spoiler element is formed of a rigid polyurethane foam material. 
     
     
       18. Device as in claim 1, wherein said air bladder element includes outlet openings to allow air to pass therethrough when in said inflated condition. 
     
     
       19. Device as in claim 1, wherein said air bladder element includes a zippered access opening. 
     
     
       20. Device as in claim 1, wherein said air bladder element is generally U-shaped and carries a plurality of said rigid spoiler elements on each side thereof.